Siemens 6FM1480-3BC00 Operator Panel

Technical Specifications and Display Design

This operator panel provides a local interface for SIMATIC S5 and S7 control systems. The Siemens 6FM1480-3BC00 allows machine operators to monitor processes and enter commands. You can mount this unit directly onto a machine enclosure or control cabinet door. Its compact design fits into standard cutouts for industrial environments. The panel weighs approximately 1.8 kilograms. Its dimensions measure 20 cm in height, 27 cm in width, and 6 cm in depth.

Parameter	Specification
Brand	Siemens
Model	6FM1480-3BC00
Category	Operator Panel / Human-Machine Interface (HMI)
Weight	1.8 kg
Height	20 cm
Width	27 cm
Depth	6 cm
Display Type	Monochrome LCD with CCFL backlight
Display Resolution	240 x 64 pixels
Active Display Area	12 cm x 5 cm
Number of Function Keys	20 membrane keys (8 programmable)
Communication Ports	RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, MPI
Communication Speed	300 to 38.4 Kbps
Protocol Support	3964R, RK512, MPI, PROFIBUS DP
Input Voltage	24V DC (±20%)
Power Consumption	15 Watts maximum
Energy Storage	None (no internal battery)
Component Count	LCD, backlight inverter, keypad, controller PCB

Display and Operator Controls

The monochrome LCD shows 8 lines of 40 characters each. A CCFL backlight illuminates the display for operation in low-light conditions. The Siemens 6FM1480-3BC00 includes 20 tactile membrane keys on the front panel. Eight of these keys accept custom labeling for application-specific functions. A numeric keypad allows direct value entry without screen navigation. The display contrast adjusts through a potentiometer on the rear panel. You can also store multiple screen pages in the panel’s internal memory.

Communication and System Integration

You connect this panel to a Siemens PLC through any available serial port. The panel supports RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, and MPI physical interfaces. A 9-pin D-sub connector provides the primary programming and runtime connection. The Siemens 6FM1480-3BC00 also communicates via PROFIBUS DP as a slave device. It draws operating power from an external 24V DC supply. The panel requires a backup battery for internal clock and recipe data. This battery is not included and must be ordered separately.

Installation and Environmental Guidelines

You must cut a mounting hole measuring 194 mm by 267 mm in the cabinet door. The panel seals against the door with an included rubber gasket. The front face carries an IP65 rating for dust and water protection. Therefore, you can wash down the panel without damage. The operating temperature ranges from 0°C to 45°C for reliable use. You should avoid direct sunlight on the display for maximum backlight life. The CCFL lamp typically lasts 50,000 hours before dimming noticeably.